Kasese MPs Petition President Museveni Over Mumbere’s Health

A group of National Resistance Movement (NRM) Members of Parliament from Kasese District has petitioned President Museveni, calling for urgent medical attention for Rwenzururu King Charles Wesley Mumbere.

The group says Mumbere's health has reportedly deteriorated since his 2016 arrest.

In an April 18 letter and received by the Office of the President on April 22, the legislators expressed deep concern over the king's wellbeing, urging the President to facilitate specialised treatment.

They argued that Omusinga Mumbere has gone nearly a decade without the advanced medical care needed for his condition.

"From 2016 when he was arrested, Omusinga has not had the chance for specialized medical attention, yet his health continues to go down," the MPs wrote.

The petition has stirred mixed reactions in the Rwenzururu Kingdom. While acknowledging the MPs’ concern, the Obusinga Bwa Rwenzururu (OBR) distanced itself from the petition, clarifying that it was not issued on behalf of the cultural institution.

“We appreciate the concern, but we want to clarify that the Kingdom was neither involved in drafting nor consulted during submission of the petition,” said Patrick Muhesi, the first deputy prime minister of the Rwenzururu kingdom.

Muhesi added that President Museveni had already issued directives earlier this year for Omusinga to receive adequate medical attention, and that the Kingdom is closely following up with relevant authorities.

He assured the public that although the King’s condition is not considered life-threatening, it still demands urgent care.

“We ask everyone to remain calm as we monitor His Majesty’s health and pursue appropriate medical support,” he said.

Omusinga Charles Wesley Mumbere was arrested in November 2016 following a military raid on his palace in Kasese that left scores dead, including security personnel and royal guards.

He was subsequently charged with multiple offenses, including terrorism, murder, and treason, and was detained at Luzira Prison before being granted bail in January 2017 under strict conditions that barred him from returning to Kasese.

For nearly seven years, Mumbere lived under restricted movement, largely confined to Kampala and later Entebbe, as court proceedings dragged on.

In June 2023, all charges against him and his royal guards were dropped, marking the official end of his legal battles and clearing the way for his long-awaited return to the Rwenzururu Kingdom.

The health of Omusinga Mumbere, a figure central to Rwenzururu cultural identity, remains a sensitive issue in the region, continuing to draw national attention nearly a decade after his detention.